Library Trends 07 (1) Summer 1958: Trends in American Book Publishing

For many of us who work closely with books and participate in their production, promotion and distribution through commercial channels, libraries and schools, and who teach their use, it seemed that the changes and expansion of the American book publishing industry during the post World War II period deserved a single publication to survey its varied and increasingly specialized activities.

It is the purpose of this issue to probe into the complexities of the heterogeneous topic of American book publishing. It does not lend itself to division into mutually exclusive segments for it thrives on inconsistencies and depends on the fickle taste and judgment of its public. This diversity is due to subject matter and the pattern of publishing operations which developed over the last three hundred years with minimal restrictions from the government.

Library Trends (ISSN 0024-2594) is an essential tool for librarians and educators alike. Each issue thoroughly explores a current topic of interest in professional librarianship and includes practical applications, thorough analyses, and literature reviews. The journal is published quarterly for the Graduate School of Library and Information Science by The Johns Hopkins University Press. For subscription information, call 800-548-1784 (410-516-6987 outside the U.S. and Canada), email jlorder [at] jhupress.jhu.edu, or visit www.press.jhu.edu/journals.